ISL 2017/18: Aizawl FC goalkeeper Avilash Paul signed by ATK

What’s the story?

After a disappointing campaign in ISL 4, two-time champions ATK have started prepping up early for the upcoming edition. And in a bid to bolster the squad, the franchise has roped in Aizawl FC goalkeeper Avilash Paul.

In case you did not know

Earlier this week, the Sourav Ganguly co-owned franchise secured the services of defensive midfielder Pronay Halder and Mohun Bagan’s Ricky Lallawmawma. The duo’s contracts have been dated for June 1, Sportskeeda had previously reported.

The heart of the matter

After coming into ISL 4 as the defending champions, ATK failed to live up to their lofty standards, eventually ending the season in the bottom half of the table. The two-time champions failed to make it to the semifinals, finishing their disappointing campaign at 9th on the table.

The club vividly struggled in their defence this season. Former first-choice keeper Debjit Majumder didn’t have the best of campaigns as he was dropped to the bench midway through the season after Ashley Westwood took over reigns as the manager from Teddy Sheringham.

Subsequently, it was Soram Poirei who was bestowed with the responsibility of manning the goalpost for ATK in the second half of the season.

Now, the two-time ISL champions have signed Aizawl custodian Avilash, in a bid to strengthen their back line next season, according to Indian Football Samachaar.

What’s next?

After the culmination of ISL and the I-League, the next mega event on India’s footballing calendar is the Super Cup. However, all the newly contracted players will be seen representing their old franchises in the knockout tournament.

The qualifiers for the flagship event are scheduled to begin on March 12. The summit clash has been slated for April 22.

Author’s take

ATK will be keen to revive their fortunes after their horror show this time around. However, with Debjit and Soram Poirei already in the squad, it remains to be seen which of these two keepers will face the axe.